150 Profiles: Emma Gilchrist

As we mark the 150th anniversary of confederation, The Philanthropist is profiling Canadians from across the non-profit sector and putting a face to 150 individuals who work or volunteer in Canada’s social sector.

Name: Emma Gilchrist

Current role in the sector: Editor-In-Chief of DeSmog Canada

Years working and/or volunteering in the nonprofit sector: 7 years.

What was your first job in the sector or a defining moment? The defining moment for me was attending a First Nations feast in Kitamaat Village in 2010, shortly after Enbridge applied to build the Northern Gateway oilsands pipeline. Until then, energy and environment conversations had been very theoretical to me. But in that moment, I realized what a deep impact society’s decisions have on certain communities.

Describe your desk/workspace.
I work from home, so most of the time you’ll find me in a nook in the kitchen.

What are you reading or following that has expanded your understanding of the non-profit sector?

I really love the weekly newsletter from the Institute for Nonprofit News in the U.S. It showcases a growing and dynamic sector of non-profit news outlets south of the border. I’d love to see Canada’s news landscape move in the same direction.

What do you think our sector needs to be thinking about?
As the business model for traditional news media deteriorates, Canada is being left with a gaping hole in the news landscape. It’s vital to think about how non-profit media can help reinvigorate Canadian democracy and what type of support is needed to make this happen.

Do you know someone we should profile as part of this series? Email us at philanthropistprofiles@gmail.com